Lorenzo: Pirro ‘lucky’ with impact in ‘frightening’ fall

Jorge Lorenzo has passed on his best wishes to Ducati test rider Michele Pirro who sustained a heavy fall in the second free practice session at Mugello which he says “was very frightening” to see.

Pirro, who is a Ducati wildcard for the Italian MotoGP, was thrown off his Ducati GP18 under heavy braking at the first corner midway through FP2, triggering a red flag stoppage, as the Italian was given immediate medical attention for suspected dislocated arms and concussion.

After being transported to Florence hospital via air ambulance Pirro in care having suffered trauma to his chest, abdomen and spine but is reported as conscious by the MotoGP medical team.

Lorenzo, who became the only factory Ducati rider to avoid any major issues in FP2 as teammate Andrea Dovizioso’s engine expired later in the session, says he wasn’t sure how the incident happened and feels the Italian rider was fortunate by landing feet first to temper his impact.

“It was very frightening. Somebody explained what had happened but when I saw it I did not want to see it again,” Lorenzo said. “It was a disaster.

“He was lucky he impacted the ground with his feet because after four metres of flying [to hit the ground] with the head would have been terrible. With luck, we hope that in 24 hours Michele will be okay. It is important.”

Lorenzo says Ducati is still investigating the cause of Pirro’s crash but isn’t concerned about any problems reoccurring at Mugello this weekend for the Italian manufacturer.

“Something strange [happened],” he said. “It looks like the bike did not move that much. It is hard to understand. Maybe it was a new part. We don't know.”

Lorenzo, who is running a modified fuel tank after struggling with physical strains handling his Ducati at high fuel, ended FP2 10^th fastest but within one second of pace-setter Andrea Iannone for Suzuki.

The Ducati rider is content with the overall updates on his GP18 from recent races, including the new fuel tank, and is targeting the minimum of a podium at the team’s home round.

“We have some problems with the new bike and the specification that we had at the beginning of the year,” he said. “But now with the new parts we had at Jerez we came closer.

“Today we have been very competitive, my ambition is very high and I am motivated to take podiums and if possible my first victory with Ducati.”